What is the number one piston - Cars & Trucks

Usually even # cylinders move together....as does odd

Did you install the belt with the number one piston on the compression stroke and have the distributor pointed at the number 1 plug connector wire. If so, you must of missed the belt placement by one tooth. If everything was correct like you mentioned it should of started. So, you made a small mistake that you will have to check again where, Im sorry :.(

Number 1 piston on the TDC of it's compression stroke, distributor pointed at the number 1 plug wire.
When on the compression stroke, the valve rockers on that piston will be relaxed (sealed) and the rockers will have play in them at that setting. Both rockers, intake and exhaust on number 1 will be loose when on the compression stroke of that piston.

should be just before the #1 plug because it fires as the piston has already started to go down. make sure its on the compression stroke and not the exhaust stroke

Pull the number 1 spark plug out and see if the piston is right up at top of cylinder. Stick a pencil or something in there and feel for the top of the piston. If the distributor is seated right and rotor is pointed to number 1. piston should be at or very near top dead center of compression stroke. If it's not there, turn the crankshaft clockwise with a socket wrench till the piston on number 1 is at top. Whether you are on the compression stroke or the exhaust stroke of the piston, the notch on the pulley (if it has one) should be right on the zero degrees mark on the scale or pointer.
Post back if you still need help or don't understand something.. For timing, always find the compression stroke of number 1.

number 1 piston should be at top dead center. remove the number 1 plug and insert a straw, or a soft object in hole on top of piston. this way when it is all the way up and just before it starts to go down you will know. if it has a dist. make sure rotor button is facing number 1 plug wire. good-day !

Number 1 piston is near to timing belt, and number 4 piston is near to flywheel & gearbox.

Always number one cylinder, the front most piston is always number one. The pointer in the dist cap will be pointing to the number one wire when it is at TDC. Other wise it is on exhaust stroke. Hope this helps.

firing order piston number (1-2-4-3) clockwise at distributor
at the engine from right 1st piston =piston number one
the engine from right second piston =piston number two
the engine from right 3rd =piston number three
the engine from right 4 =piston number four

number one cylinder or piston as u say. NOTE THE WAY CYLINDERS ARE NUMBERED.